Washington DC: Private City Tour & Changing of the Guard

Summary

Witness the city’s stories from white house to arlington with a local guide

You’ll walk where presidents have walked, stand silent at Arlington for the Changing of the Guard ceremony, and catch glimpses of DC’s icons with stories from your local guide. From Lafayette Square to cherry blossoms by MLK’s memorial, every stop feels personal — especially with hotel pickup and time to wander built in.

What’s the experience like?

I never thought I’d get goosebumps just standing in Lafayette Square, but there I was — squinting at the White House, half-expecting someone important to peek out. Our guide, Marcus, had this way of making even the pigeons sound like they belonged in some presidential story. He pointed out Saint John’s Church (I’d never heard it called “the Presidents’ Church” before) and let us wander along Pennsylvania Avenue for a bit. There’s this weird hush right in front of the Executive Mansion, almost like everyone’s holding their breath — except for one kid who kept trying to spot secret service agents. I tried too, honestly.

The drive down Pennsylvania Avenue felt like flipping through a history book, but with actual traffic and people jaywalking. Marcus told us little things about buildings I’d only seen in news photos — like how the Old Post Office is now a hotel (who knew?), or that you can see straight down to the Capitol dome from certain angles if you lean just right in your seat. At the Capitol steps, I touched the stone railing and wondered how many presidents had stood there swearing oaths. The view back towards the Washington Monument and all those museums — it’s bigger than you expect. Or maybe that was just me feeling small under all that sky.

I didn’t expect to feel much at Arlington Cemetery, but when we walked quietly up to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for the Changing of the Guard ceremony…well, it got me. The only sounds were shoes on gravel and flags flapping somewhere far off. Even Marcus went quiet for a while. Later he said sometimes he still gets choked up too — after all these years guiding people here. That made me feel better about my own lump-in-the-throat moment.

Somewhere between snapping blurry photos at the Lincoln Memorial (my phone camera hates marble) and staring up at those wild Air Force spires across from the Pentagon, I realized how much these places mean to people here — not just tourists like me. We ended near Martin Luther King Jr.’s memorial where cherry blossoms were just starting to pop open; pink petals everywhere, even on my shoe. Still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in city traffic back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private Washington DC historic tour

• Meet your personal tour guide
• Stroll Lafayette Square by White House
• Walk along Pennsylvania Avenue
• Drive through Pennsylvania Avenue landmarks
• Walk Westside of U.S. Capitol façade
• Drive through Smithsonian Museums area
• Stop at National World War II Memorial
• Visit Lincoln Memorial
• Visit Vietnam Veterans Memorial
• Visit Korean War Veterans Memorial
• Visit Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
• Cross Memorial Bridge to Arlington Cemetery
• Walk grounds and see Changing of the Guard
• Visit US Marine Corps War Memorial
• Visit U.S. Air Force Memorial and Pentagon view

Top questions

How long does this private Washington DC tour last?

The tour fits within your chosen schedule; most guests spend around 5-6 hours including stops and driving between sites.

Is hotel pickup included for this DC city tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere inside the DC metro area are included.

Do we go inside any monuments or museums?

No interiors are included; most monuments are experienced outdoors or via guided walks nearby.

Can I customize which attractions we visit?

Yes, your guide will tailor stops based on your interests within your available timeframe.

Is lunch provided during this day trip?

No meals are included; bottled water is provided but food stops are not part of the itinerary.

How much walking is involved at Arlington Cemetery?

You’ll walk about 25 minutes each way to reach the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; alternatives are available if needed.

Are vehicles wheelchair accessible?

No, panoramic minibuses aren’t equipped with hydraulic lifts but a transport chair can be accommodated if arranged ahead.

Does this tour include entry fees?

No entry fees are needed as all sites visited are public monuments or outdoor spaces.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Washington DC metro area, bottled water for each guest, WiFi onboard our panoramic minibus (which has mobile charging stations), and a licensed local guide who shares stories as you stroll or drive past each site — plus plenty of flexibility to adjust stops as you go along.